What Is Stress?
Everyone feels stress. Everyone has problems and at times find things hard. Young people usually have lots of energy and can adapt to what’s going on, but sometimes you can feel stressed. There are lots of things you can do to handle stress and feel in control.
Stress is the way your body, mind and feelings react to things happening around you. These reactions are normal and everyone has them. These reactions can be physical or emotional, or both sometimes.
Reactions to Stress
Physical
- Heart beats faster
- Sweating
- Knots in your stomach
- Headaches
- Tensed muscles
- Tense jaw
- Feeling faint
Emotional
- Can’t make up your mind
- Hard to relax
- Confused
- Everyone is bugging you
- Lack of confidence
- Impatient
- Forgetting things
Young People's Tips
To reduce stress:
- Take rest and have a good sleep
- Have regular meals
- Do something you enjoy
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Relaxation
- Avoid caffeine and energy drinks
- Have time to yourself
- Exercise
- Talk to someone you trust
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs
- Take a time out
Beating Stress
Beating stress in your emotions (thoughts and feelings)
- Tell someone how you feel
- Write it all down
- Draw how you feel
- Go and talk to your pet
- Phone a friend
Beating stress in your Actions (when you take it out on others)
- Make something
- Wash someone’s car/tidy your room
- Go outside and shout
- Hug someone or something
Often talking about a problem can help. Some people who may be able to help you are:
- Friend
- Teacher
- Someone in the family
- Youth Worker
- Counsellor
- Learning Mentor
Remember it is important that the person you choose to speak to is someone that you can trust and that you feel comfortable with so that you can share things that are important to you.
